NRPA works to ensure that all people have access to the benefits of local parks and recreation.
To achieve this, NRPA has made a formal commitment to the Partnership for Inclusive Health’s Commit to Inclusion initiative. We’re calling our pledge Parks for Inclusion.
Parks for Inclusion supports built environment enhancements, model policy development, and best practices for program implementation to increase access to health opportunities for the following populations:
- Those with physical and cognitive disabilities
- The LGBTQ community
- Racial and ethnic minorities and new Americans
Our goal is that Parks for Inclusion will improve access to health opportunities in parks and recreation for 2 million people by September 30, 2020.
NRPA Inclusion Resources
One of the most identified resources for park and recreation agencies is guidance in creating an inclusion policy. NRPA has developed a toolkit to help lead agencies through policy creation and implementation, with Guidelines for Developing an Inclusion Policy, Inclusion Policy Template, and Parks for Inclusion Vision Stand.
Access the Resources
NRPA Research: Parks and Recreation Inclusion Report
NRPA developed the Parks and Recreation Inclusion Report to provide greater insight into how agencies across the United States ensure that all members of their communities can enjoy parks and recreation. The study also highlights the significant challenges facing the industry in delivering on this promise.
Read the Report
Inclusive Health Promotion in Local Parks and Recreation
NRPA has prepared the Inclusive Health Promotion in Local Parks and Recreation toolkit with support from Special Olympics. This resource describes ways in which park and recreation professionals can ensure that
facilities and programs are inclusive and welcoming to all, especially those with intellectual disabilities.
Access The Toolkit
